How seniors helped Smoky Mountain soccer win first NCHSAA playoff since 2017

Yahoo Sports2h ago17 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

Smoky Mountain girls soccer secured their first NCHSAA playoff win since 2017, showcasing strong performances from senior players. The team dominated North Gaston with numerous shots on goal.

Key points

Smoky Mountain girls soccer won their first NCHSAA playoff since 2017
The team dominated North Gaston with multiple shots on goal
Seniors played a significant role in the victory
The match showcased strong offensive performance

Smoky MountainNorth GastonNCHSAA

How seniors helped Smoky Mountain soccer win first NCHSAA playoff since 2017

SYLVA — Smoky Mountain girls soccer peppered the North Gaston goalkeeper with shot after shot in the first half.

The few times North Gaston didn’t make the save, the ball ricocheted off every part of the goal but the back of the net.

In the 21st minute, the Mustangs thought they broke through.

Macy Craft slid one into the back of the goal on a breakaway.

The assistant referee waved it off. Offsides.

Two minutes before halftime, Isabel Brun found Ali Klaire Nicholson running free down the right sideline. Nicholson flicked it over the goalkeeper’s head and into the left corner of the goal.

That opened the floodgates for Smoky Mountain. The Mustangs (13-9-2) added five more in the second half to secure the 6-0 win over No. 23 North Gaston (4-12-3) on May 11 in the first round of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 5A playoffs.

They will face No. 7 Forestview (17-2-1) in the second round on May 14.

West Henderson freshman midfielder Lyric Carpenter runs onto the ball during a game against Smoky Mountain on April 7, 2026. West Henderson defeated Smoky Mountain 2-1 in overtime.